"Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 35" - Armstrong, British Columbia
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T0SHEA
N 50° 26.901 W 119° 11.573
11U E 344316 N 5590779
Located in downtown Armstrong closed to Armstrong Station Park, looks like a railroad depot.
Waymark Code: WMQCQ1
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Date Posted: 02/06/2016
Views: 1
The History Of Branch #35
2012 saw Branch 35 become 86 years old. Much of her history has been lost with the passage of time and in a fire which destroyed the branch in 1981.
On May 1st, 1922 we were opened under the Great War Veteran's Association of Canada.
On November 16th, 1926 we became the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League.
On July 11th, 1981 Br. 35 burned to the ground. We were unable to rebuild in the same location because of parking regulations. We temporarily operated out of the Armstrong Curling Club while looking for a new home. After much community controversy we purchased the old Co-op building and reopened for business on December 23rd, 1981. The cost of renovations, taxes (on 3 frontage lots) and other ongoing costs threatened to bankrupt our little branch so the building was sold in 1993 and a lot was purchased in our current location.
There was enough cash from the sale to buy the lot and have money for building supplies but not enough money for construction labour. Legion members, service club volunteers and people from the community volunteered all the labour. Many of the construction labourers put in a shift at their day jobs and then came after work and on weekends to help with the rebuilding. Donations in-kind from merchants, manufacturers and dealers helped with some of the materials and supplies needed to re-open. The 3300 square-foot branch opened on January 19th, 1994 and without a mortgage!
Meeting rooms in our branch also provide a home to the Armstrong Lions and the Armstrong Girl Guides troop.
On May 5th, 2001, Branch 35 was awarded, "Freedom of the City" by the City of Armstrong in honour of our 75th birthday. Freedom of the City started in the Middle-Ages, based on the ancient right of cities and towns in England, not wanting the responsibilities of troops in their cities, kept the gates closed against the armies. By granting entry into their towns and cities, they first recognized the high standard of certain special regiments.
It's the first time a presentation has been made to an organization since it's inception on 1953, in our community. This is in recognition of the men and women who served this country. It acknowledges outstanding professionalism, volunteerism and commitment to the community.
Source: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 35 (
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